An overview of our history.

Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG celebrates its anniversary.

 

 

Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1947 in Mülheim an der Ruhr and it is an expert in electroplating procedures for the finishing of metals.

As a specialist in the finishing of a variety of metals Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG has specialised in various electroplating procedures. The range of services includes among other things the silver plating and tin plating of various metals and the galvanizing or phosphating of steel. The medium-sized family business has its headquarters in Mülheim an der Ruhr – in the heart of Germany's Ruhr region – where it combines tradition with innovative production processes. The company implements technological advances in order to continually enhance the specific electroplating methods that it uses, and it adapts them to new requirements.

 

A comprehensive range of products and services from a single source

The workforce at Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG has expertise accumulated over many years as well as comprehensive technical know-how in the field of metal finishing. The company's flexible, high-capacity production systems make it possible to manufacture high-quality products. Bespoke solutions for differing requirements or special procedures, such as the finishing of complicated components, are also possible. The company provides personal advice as well as comprehensive information about its tailor-made solutions.

 

75th anniversary this summer

In August the company is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Since 1947 Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG has been a one-stop provider of metal finishing and associated services. The family business is now run by the third generation of the family. We’re very proud of the fact that some of our workforce are the third generation of their family to be employed here. Our decades of experience and specialist technical knowledge ensure excellent product quality – made in Germany.

 

2009:

For over 60 years the company has excelled in the use of electroplating to provide perfect metal finishing. And despite economically difficult times our commitment to the very highest quality standards is undiminished. Specialist skills are therefore being further enhanced in every area of the business, and additional certifications are being obtained. A really striking fact is that the seamless interplay between production systems controlled by host computers and high-class manual work is greatly valued despite the upheavals affecting global mass production. This confirms the success of our “Quality made in Germany” approach, and it's a further incentive to always provide our customers with the best possible service.

 

2000:

After heading up the company for 23 years Ferdi Albers passes on a thriving business to his successor: Andreas Bohnenkamp (the founder's grandson) takes over the management of the company. The well-proven strategy of being an “all-round specialist” is continued. The use of specialist procedures and techniques is intensified: hard anodising and also tin, silver and copper electroplating of very large components as well as selective metal deposition are excellent examples of this strategy.

 

1997:

The last 10 years of development in the Ruhr region are marked by steel and coal crises with the resulting radical changes in the industrial landscape. However, the company is able to use these structural changes to drive forward its expansion owing to our capacity for innovation combined with a comprehensive range of products and services. RWE awards the company the Innovation Competition prize for industry. And the Dusseldorf Chamber of Skilled Trades awards Rudolf Clauss GmbH & Co. KG its special environmental protection prize.

 

1985:

Successful adaptation to a changing market and competitive environment. A large new production hall is built and is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. The company increasingly focuses on functional surfaces. Mining, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering applications in particular require high-quality metal finishes.

 

1977:

The founder of the business, Rudolf Clauß, dies unexpectedly. His wife, Marie Lise Clauß, and his son-in-law, Ferdi Albers, take over the management of the business.

 

1972:

The company celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Due to the strong growth in the aluminium sector the anodizing department is massively expanded. A waste water treatment system with simultaneous recovery of water via a recirculation procedure is already in use.

 

1960:

During Germany's post-war “economic miracle” the business takes on more staff and expands by building production halls and an office annex. It specialises in solutions for complex projects such as the silver electroplating of huge rotor end-bells and complex galvanic deposition moulds.

 

1947:

Rudolf Clauß founds the company in Mülheim an der Ruhr.
He operates the first plating tanks, initially working on a part-time basis. The general lack of suitable spare parts and the rebuilding of the war-ravaged country help to spur the development and expansion of the business.